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With an ocean on all sides, Australia has more than 22,000 miles of coastline. The beaches come in all forms. In southern Western Australia, they're stark, white and bordered by dry bush, giving them an intense contrast to the aqua Indian Ocean. In tropical northern Queensland, the beaches are lush and humid. Further down the east coast, in southern Queensland and New South Wales, surfers flock for the Pacific Ocean waves.

Byron Bay, New South Wales

Byron Bay is a popular stop on the backpacker circuit and is a favorite destination for east coast Australians because of the bay's incredible beauty, waves and marine life. The bay is technically several small beaches, each with its own attributes. Main Beach is right in front of town and is popular for sunbathing and enjoying sunsets. If you want to surf, head down the beach to The Pass or Watego's. Keep walking over the rocks, and you'll find Little Watego's, which is more secluded. Kayaking tours to see dolphins, whales and sea turtles are popular, as are the snorkeling and diving tours. Check out Cape Byron Kayaks and Byron Bay Dive Center if you want to do more than just soak up the sun.

Cape Byron KayaksTel: +61-2-6680-9555capebyronkayaks.com

Byron Bay Dive CentreTel: +61-2-6685-8333byronbaydivecentre.com.au

Bondi Beach, New South Wales

The quintessential Australian beach experience can be had at Sydney's famous Bondi Beach. From the turquoise water, soft sand and surf to the iconic lifesavers and the Aussies showing off their tans in bikinis and board shorts, Bondi Beach has it all. What it doesn't have much of is solitude. But if you're looking for a fun, lively day in Sydney, don't skip it.

Noosa, Queensland

Noosa's beach sits between the expansive Pacific Ocean and the chic town of Noosa Heads. The town's elegant eateries, shops and hotels along Hastings Street keep the beach-goers relatively upscale, but don't think there's an ounce of pretension. Noosa is as laid-back as any other Australian beach, with plenty of waves to go around. Noosa National Park borders the beach, and offers a shady respite from the hot Aussie sun.

Tourism Noosa+61-7-5430-5000visitnoosa.com.au

Noosa National Parknoosanationalpark.com

Whitehaven Beach, Queensland

The strip of sand that is Whitehaven Beach, in Queensland's Whitsunday Islands, is impossibly white due to its silica sand. Add the clear blue water, and you've got a stunning piece of nature. Whitehaven Beach is on Whitsunday Island, the biggest of the 74 islands in the archipelago. It's uninhabited, which means no hotels, restaurants or crowds on the beach. To get there, you've got your choice of overnight sailing charters or day trips from Airlie Beach on a yacht, jet boat, helicopter or sea plane. Check out Whitehaven Xpress, which includes a barbecue on Whitehaven Beach.

Whitehaven Xpress61-7-4946-1585whitehavenxpress.com.au

Cottesloe Beach, Western Australia

Visitors to Australia don't often make it to Western Australia and its isolated capital city of Perth, but that's where you'll find Cottesloe Beach. The gentle Indian Ocean waves and sugar-like sand make you forget quite easily that you're in a large city. The beach is anchored by Indiana, a restaurant housed in a beautiful building where you can sip a cocktail and enjoy a spectacular Indian Ocean sunset. Beware Sunday afternoons, when Cott Beach, as it's affectionately known, becomes crowded with local teenagers who walk down from the adjacent neighborhood.

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About the Author

Leah Still has written about travel, fashion and home design since 2003. Her work has appeared in various print and online publications, including "SKI" magazine, Southernaccents.com and Gusto.com. She has a journalism degree from the University of Missouri and broadens her education with both domestic and international travel.

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